The official source for the information shown in this article or section is:Guide To Advancement, 2011 Edition (BSA Supply SKU #N/A)

A number of topics are common to all phases of the scouting program. These subjects are discussed individually in order to form a handy guide for the council and district advancement committees as well as for the unit leader and unit committee.

Extended Absence From Scouting

Many times Scouts become active again after dropping from other units because of other interests, moving within the community, or relocating to another part of the country. Youth who were members of a ‘‘dropped’’ unit also may become active again.

A proper term for such a Scout is ‘‘separated- reregistered.’’ When this happens, the tenure for a Scout’s rank is often questioned.

Upon reregistration, the youth should assume the last attained rank verified by documentation from the council service center. His previous verifiable service time in that rank applies toward qualification for the next rank and should commence with his reregistration and with guidelines set down by his new unit leader.

Youth of Other Nationalities

A youth from another country who either temporarily resides in, or has moved permanently to, the United States may join a BSA unit and participate in the BSA advancement program. He must present to the council ser vice center available evidence of membership and advancement level from his previous association. Having done this, he then must appear before the district or council advancement committee with at least one member of the receiving unit committee present to review his previous advancement work and to determine which BSA rank he is qualified to receive. This policy applies to all ranks except Eagle Scout. The BSA rank of Eagle Scout cannot automatically be considered the equivalent of another association’s highest rank. A Boy Scout who holds his association’s highest rank could qualify for the rank of Life Scout, and the district or council advancement committee should prescribe certain merit badges for him to earn before consideration for the rank of Eagle Scout. He must also fulfill all other requirements for the rank of Eagle Scout.

This policy also applies to members of the BSA who, while living abroad, have earned advancement in another Scouting association.